If you’re searching for a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the cozy spices of the holiday season, look no further than this Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe. These charming German spice cookies come packed with warming notes of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and just a hint of white pepper, delivering a flavor experience that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly unique. Coated generously in powdered sugar, they offer a soft, pillowy texture balanced by a subtle, spicy kick. Whether you’re new to Pfeffernusse or an old fan, this recipe is a heartfelt invitation to the kitchen, promising cookies that are as fun to make as they are to share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Pfeffernusse cookies lies in their simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance between spicy warmth, sweetness, and that tender crumb.
- Molasses (1/2 cup): Adds deep, rich sweetness and moisture essential for that classic chewy texture.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Brings a delicate floral sweetness that complements the spices beautifully.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup): Provides richness and helps create a tender crumb without overpowering the spices.
- Large Egg (1): Binds everything together, contributing to the dough’s structure and softness.
- All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups): The sturdy base that gives these cookies their delightful body.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup): Balances the spices and adds a little crunch in every bite.
- Baking Soda (1/2 teaspoon): The leavening agent that helps the cookies rise to a tender finish.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, making each spice pop.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Offers warm, aromatic sweetness integral to the cookie’s signature taste.
- Ground Cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a rich, slightly astringent spice that adds depth.
- Ground Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle nutty warmth that rounds out the spice profile.
- Ground Allspice (1/2 teaspoon): Combines flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, deepening the complexity.
- Ground Cardamom (1/2 teaspoon): Injects an exotic, citrusy note that lifts the spices.
- Ground White Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle heat and unique peppery sharpness to intrigue the palate.
- Powdered Sugar: For coating, it adds a sweet, snowy finish and a delightful melt-in-your-mouth feel.
How to Make Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Creating the Molasses Mixture
Start by gently heating the molasses, honey, and butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth and glossy. This step ensures the flavors meld together perfectly and provides a liquid base that makes the dough wonderfully moist and tender. Let it cool slightly before moving on; it’s important not to cook the egg when you add it later.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
While the molasses mixture cools, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and the fragrant blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and white pepper in a large mixing bowl. This careful combination of spices is key to the Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe’s signature flavor, offering both warmth and intrigue with every bite.
Step 3: Combining Ingredients into Dough
Pour the molasses mixture and the egg into the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly until a thick dough forms. The texture should be firm enough to shape but still soft and pliable. This stage is so satisfying you’ll want to reach in and poke the dough yourself!
Step 4: Chilling the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. This chilling phase is absolutely crucial—it allows the spices to deepen, the dough to firm up for easier rolling, and ultimately results in cookies with better texture and flavor.
Step 5: Baking the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheets. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the tops are set and the bottoms turn a lovely light golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen during baking is nothing short of irresistible!
Step 6: Coating with Powdered Sugar
Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar, then once completely cooled, roll them again for that classic, snowy white finish. This double coating is what transforms these cookies from delicious to downright magical and iconic.
How to Serve Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are already stunning in their powdered sugar coats, but you could also let your creativity shine by adding a light drizzle of white chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for color and crunch. A tiny dusting of cinnamon sugar can also amp up the warmth on top without overshadowing the classic flavors.
Side Dishes
Pfeffernusse cookies pair beautifully with a variety of warm beverages. A classic cup of hot mulled cider or spiced tea is a wonderful choice, but if you want to bring in some decadence, try serving them alongside a rich hot chocolate or a creamy chai latte. These combinations highlight the spices and add a comforting cozy vibe perfect for chilly days.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, arrange Pfeffernusse cookies on a wooden platter surrounded by sprigs of fresh rosemary and cranberries for a seasonal touch. Or, package them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with twine and little cinnamon sticks for charming homemade gifts everyone will love. Layering them in glass jars with candles nearby makes a gorgeous holiday centerpiece too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies actually get better with time! Store leftovers in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft and moist. The cookies will maintain their flavor and texture for up to two weeks, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the season.
Freezing
If you want to make these in advance, Pfeffernusse cookie dough freezes very well. Portion the dough into balls and flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed for fresh-tasting cookies anytime.
Reheating
To refresh stored cookies, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This will revive their soft texture and spice aroma, making you feel like you just baked that batch from scratch.
FAQs
What does Pfeffernusse mean?
The name “Pfeffernusse” translates from German as “pepper nuts,” referring to the tiny size of the cookies and the hint of peppery spice included in the recipe that sets them apart from other spice cookies.
How long do Pfeffernusse cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container with a slice of bread, these cookies keep soft and flavorful for up to two weeks. They can also be frozen for longer storage and enjoyed later without losing their charm.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend, but be sure it’s one that includes xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the dough’s texture. Adjustments might be necessary to get the consistency just right.
Why do the cookies get coated in powdered sugar twice?
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while still warm and then again after cooling creates a signature snowy coating that adds sweetness and visual appeal, along with a slightly crisp outer layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft inside.
Are Pfeffernusse cookies spicy?
They have a gentle spiciness that’s warming rather than fiery, thanks to a blend of spices including cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and a subtle kick of white pepper. It’s a balanced spice profile that’s both comforting and intriguing.
Final Thoughts
This Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe is truly a treasure of holiday baking tradition and a wonderful addition to any cookie lineup. The combination of spices, the tender texture, and that snowy powdered sugar coating make these cookies a perennial favorite. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try these cookies and share the joy they bring with your loved ones—you might just create a new annual tradition yourself!
Print
Pfeffernusse Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes (plus at least 2 hours chilling time)
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pfeffernusse Cookies are traditional German spice cookies, infused with a warm blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and white pepper. These molasses and honey-sweetened treats are soft inside with a slightly crisp exterior, dusted with powdered sugar for a festive finish. Perfect for holiday celebrations and gifting.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup molasses
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
Finishing
- Powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Prepare the Molasses Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine molasses, honey, and unsalted butter. Heat over low flame, stirring regularly until the butter melts completely and the mixture becomes smooth. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly to avoid cooking the egg in the next step.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, and all the spices: cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and white pepper. This blends the flavors evenly throughout the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the cooled molasses mixture and the egg to the dry ingredients. Stir until all components come together forming a thick, cohesive dough.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight. This step firms the dough and enhances the flavors.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes or until the tops are set and the bottoms turn lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies tender.
- Initial Powdered Sugar Coating: Allow the cookies to cool for about 5 minutes until they are warm but not hot. Roll them in powdered sugar to coat lightly.
- Final Powdered Sugar Coating: Once completely cooled, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar for a thicker, festive coating.
Notes
- For a softer cookie texture, store in an airtight container along with a fresh slice of bread; the bread helps retain moisture.
- These cookies develop deeper, more complex flavors after resting for one or two days, making them ideal for preparing ahead for holiday celebrations.
- They are perfect for gifting during the holiday season due to their festive spice profile and attractive powdered sugar coating.
